Paul Horrocks quits MEN editorship

Paul Horrocks announced today that he is quitting as editor of Guardian Media Group's Manchester Evening News, after 34 years with the paper, to set up a media and communications agency.
MEN deputy editor Maria McGeoghan will become acting editor as publisher MEN Media seeks a new editor.
Horrocks, who joined the MEN from the Daily Mail in April 1975, said in a statement: "Leaving after such a long time is a wrench, but it is the right time for me and my family. I leave on the best of terms with Mark Dodson and the rest of the management team and wish them every success in a tough environment.
"At the MEN we have created an integrated, multimedia newsroom that is the envy of many other publishing companies. It is an achievement I am proud of, and the whole editorial department shares in that."
Horrocks has edited the MEN since June 1997. He is also editor-in-chief of Manchester Metro News. In 1984 he was appointed the MEN's crime correspondent covering the whole of the Stalker Affair and the re-opening of the Moors Murders excavation. In September 1989 he was appointed news editor responsible for news investigations and campaigns. In July 1994 he was promoted to assistant editor and in March 1996 was again promoted to deputy editor. He was a member of the organising committee for the Commonwealth Games Manchester 2002.